August 29, 2001 - game one of the finals was dominated by the Sidewalk Cafe tonight. Sidewalk scored eight runs on twelve hits and got seven shutout innings from pitcher Mark Senna as they cruised to a 8-0 victory.

Senna and the Sidewalk defense held the powerful Quality Painting batters to three hits and a walk. On the offensive side of the field, Sidewalk's, Bobby Dobay, led all batters with three hits including a homerun to deep center.

The two teams will play games two and three in a double-header on Thursday.

August 30, 2001 - those that witnessed game two of the finals certainly got entertained for seven innings. This one had all sorts of highs and lows for both teams.

Sidewalk built a 9-3 lead in the first four innings which then ignited a bizzare onfield scene. Two frustrated Quality Painting players, who were on the field, surprised everyone by squaring off to fight near the first base line. Thankfully no punches were landed as the near fight coupled with a pitching change moments later then brought the best out of Quality.

Quality's bats responded in the fifth and sixth innings when they scored five runs to cut Sidewalk's lead to two. Jose Bonilla then shut Sidewalk's attack down as he didn't allow a run in the next three innings of work. The momentum had changed hands quickly and Sidewalk was clinging on to the lead.

The game then reached its high point in the top of the seventh inning when Quality loaded the bases with no outs. Trailing by two runs and in need of a big hit Quality looked to left fielder Chris Mikulski to deliver. With the count 1-1 Mikulski lined a Mark Senna offering to centerfielder Marty Jiminez who raced in to grab the first out. Kevin Gerehity, who was on third, was unable to score on the play.

Quality then looked to Ricky Bevalaqua to come through with the big hit. Bevalaqua had singled back in the fourth inning and was looking for a pitch that he could handle. Senna quickly got ahead in the count 0-2 and then put the all-star third baseman away with a swinging strikeout. Sidewalk was one out away from getting out of the bases loaded no out seventh inning jam and more importantly winning game two of the series.

Quality's chances of a comeback win rested on former Sidewalk player, Bobby Wogan. Wogan had driven a run in earlier in the game with a sacrifice fly but was now looking to come through with a hit. Senna ran the count to 1-1 before firing a fastball on the inside corner of the plate. Wogan fought it off but in the process hit a pop up to the third base side where shortstop Jason O'Connell squeezed it for the games last out. With the help of his defense, Senna had performed the magician act and pitched himself out of serious jam to earn the thrilling 10-8 game two victory.

August 30, 2001 - Sidewalk Cafe moved within a game of capturing their second straight M Street Championship by defeating Quality Painting 1-0 in game three of the finals tonight.

This was the second game of a double header with Sidewalk's Mark Senna pitching back to back games. Quality answered with Steve Passatempo who was looking to revenge his game one lost to Sidewalk.

Pitching was dominant in this one as both Steve Passatempo and Mark Senna brought their best stuff. Passatempo (7 ip, 2 hits, 1 Run, 4 BB) and Senna (7 ip, 2 hits, 2 BB) allowed only four hits total with no runners reaching third base after the second inning.

The games lone run came in the bottom of the second inning when Senna drilled Passatempo's first offering to deep center. As center fielder Mark Dillon gave chase to the ball Senna circled the bases in a hurry and that one run stood for the entire game.

Quality threatened to score in the bottom of the seventh inning when Derek Milano and Kevin Geherity both reached base to lead the inning off. Senna then sent the next three batters down on a grounder and two fly outs. When Marty Jiminez squeezed the last out of the game, the emotionally and physically spent players of the Sidewalk Cafe celebrated the end of a successful softball marathon.

September 3, 2001 - Jose Bonilla and Mark Senna were locked in a 1-1 pitchers duel until Quality's bats came to life and scored four runs in the seventh to edge Sidewalk 5-1 in game four of the finals.

Bonilla, who saw limited action during the regular season and playoffs, was sharp and overpowering at times. He limited the Sidewalk attack to five hits while collecting six strikeouts in his seven innings of work.

The tightly played game was decided in the top of the seventh inning when Bobby Wogan set the tables by leading the inning off with a single to center. Steve Passatempo then followed with a walk which brought the top of the order up with no outs. Mark Dillon, who was 0-3 at the time, then lined a single to center that scored Wogan with the go ahead run. Peter Milano then added to the assault by lining a single to right that scored Passatempo from second. Quality would add another pair of runs on some poor defensive plays by Sidewalk making it a 5-1 ballgame.

Bonilla and Quality then put the exclamation point on their game four win by striking out two of the final three Sidewalk batters in the bottom of the seventh inning. The series will continue with game five being played on Tuesday at 7:30 pm.

September 4 - the Sidewalk Cafe won their second straight M Street Softball championship tonight when they defeated Quality Painting 9-3 in game five of the best of seven series.

Sidewalk trailed by a run entering the top of the third inning and were looking to regain the momentum that Quality had taken away in their game four win on Monday. With two outs and runners on first and second, Sidewalk's John Oliviera singled home Steve Fabian with the game tying run. Veteran Danny Lamonica then followed with a 2-run single to give Sidewalk a 4-2 lead. Lamonica's hit ended the night for Quality's starter Steve Passatempo who was replaced by the hard throwing Jose Bonilla.

After Quality went donw in order in the third the Sidewalk offense wasted little time getting to Bonilla. Mark Senna led off with a double and then scored on Jason O'Connell's base hit to left. Fabian and Bobby Dobay then both reached base to load the bases with no outs. Bonilla was clearly in a jam and in need of a few strikeouts. Bonilla then got Tommy Connolly to ground out but O'Connell raced home on the play with Sidewalk's fifth run. John Oliviera then deliver a huge blow to Quality with a bases clearing triple to right center. Sidewalk had blown the game open, 8-2, against Quality's ace pitcher.

Leading by six runs Sidewalk's pitcher, Mark Senna, nearly let Quality Painting back in the game in the fourth. Quality loaded the bases on three straight walks and were looking for a clutch hit. Senna then worked his "bases loaded no outs" magic as he had done before and got the next three Quality batters out on grounders and an infield fly. Quality had missed a golden opportunity to score some runs.

Senna then helped his own cause in the fifth inning by tripling to center and scoring Sidewalk's ninth run on the throw home. After circling the bases an exhausted Senna then took to the mound for the fifth inning.

Jose Bonilla greeted the weary pitcher with a first pitch homerun to deep center field. A double and two walks later Quality was suddenly gaining mometum and were once again looking for that big hit with the bases loaded and no outs. The Sidewalk defense then came to Senna's aid with two fabulous plays. Third baseman John Oliviera chased down a pop out for the first out and then Shaun White caught a sinking line drive in center field for the second out. White then threw to second to double off the Quality base runner who thought the ball was surely headed for vacant territory. For the second straight inning, Sidewalk escaped a jam unharmed.

Quality put runners on again in the sixth but two pop outs later the inning was over and so were Quality's hopes of a comeback. They went down quietly in the seventh giving Sidewalk Cafe their second straight M Street championship.

Congratulations to Quality Painting for a great season and a well played series. You are all gentlemen in my book!!

Sidewalk Cafe 2001 Champions:

• Danny Lamonica - 2B
• Jimmy McCarthy - C
• Brendan Donovan - 2B
• John Oliviera - 3B
• Harry John - DH/Coach
• Shaun White - OF
• Charlie Diblasi - C
• Steve Fabian - 1B
• Jason O'Connell - SS
• Bobby Dobay - OF
• Tommy Connolly - OF
• Marty Jiminez - OF
• Mark Senna - P/Coach

August 22, 2001 - The Sidewalk Cafe scored four runs in the first inning, highlited by a Mark Senna 3-run homerun, and never looked back as they breezed to a 10-1 win over the Sam Moran Club in game one of the best of five semi-final match.

Senna scattered four hits and four walks through five innings before giving way to reliever Danny Lamonica. Lamonica, who was making his first appearance since a hip injury two months ago, pitched well while picking up two strikeouts.

Marty Jiminez and Senna each had three hits for Sidewalk while Joey Magee led all Moran hitters with two. Sidewalk's Bobby Dobay added to the offensive cause with a mamoth homerun to right in the fifth.

August 23, 2001 - with his team trailing by two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning of game two, Sidewalk Cafe's Marty Jiminez hit a three run homerun to deep left field that stood as the game winning blow.

Earlier, the Sam Moran Club had built a 4-0 lead highlighted by a 3-run homerun by Charles Zaniboni in the first inning. The Moran Club then got great pitching from veteran John McGrath, who was pitching in replace of the injured John Gregorio. McGrath was doing a great job in keeping the Sidewalk hitters in check and off of the scoreboard.

However, Sidewalk broke through in the fourth with a run and then managed to load the bases with no outs in the fifth. Tommy Connolly then scored on a fielders choice making it a two run game. With one out and runners on the corners Marty Jiminez came through with the clutch homerun in dealing the Moran Club a huge blow. Sidewalk then tacked an insurance run on in the bottom of the sixth inning on Shaun White's hot grounder and Tommy Connolly's great hustle on the basepaths.

Moran still had some fight in them and didn't go down quietly in the seventh. Charles Zaniboni gave them life when he singled to left with one out. Joey Magee then followed with a hard smash to the third baseman who fielded it cleanly but through widly to second allowing Zaniboni to move to third. Moran now had the tying runners on base with Bobby McGarrell and Ronny Gurley due up. Sidewalk's pitcher, Mark Senna, then beared down and managed to get McGarell to pop out to third and Gurley to pop out to catcher Charlie Diblasi ending any hopes of a Moran comeback.

Monday, August 24 - the defending champion Sidewalk Cafe advanced to the finals for the fifth year in a row by completing a sweep of the Moran Club tonight, 11-2.

Sidewalk's explosive offense collected twenty hits and scored runs in every inning in their most impressive win of the season. Sidewalk's shortstop Jason O'Connell led all batters with four hits including two doubles. Mark Senna, John Oliviera, and Brendan Donovan all contributed to the cause with three hits each.

Sidewalk's pitcher, Mark Senna, pitched a fine game in holding the Moran Club to eight hits in six innings. Senna gave way to Danny Lamonica, who pitched another great seventh inning to close out the series.

August 22, 2001 - Quality Painting built a six run lead through the first five innings and then hung on for the 10-8 win over the Playwright in game one of the best of five series.

Quality's Peter Milano started the scoring in the first inning with a homerun to right center. The offensive attack continued in the second when Chris Mikulski doubled home two runs to edge Quality's lead to 4-0. The Painting boys added another four runs in the third inning highlited by doubles by Bobby Wogan and Andrew Quinn.

While Quality's offense was heating up the Playwright bats were hard at work in keeping the score close. Steven Muldowney's homer to left in the fifth inning seemed to give Playwright some much needed life as they close the gap to six runs.

After a one-two-three top half of the sixth, the Playwright's offense picked up where they left off in the fifth. Four hits and three walks led to four runs and suddenly the Playwright had closed the gap to two runs. It may have been a tied game if right fielder Andrew Quinn and center fielder Mark Dillon hadn't made two spectacular catches.

With his team ahead by two runs, pitcher Steve Passatempo then settled down and got the side in order in the seventh to pick up the save for Quality Painting.

August 23, 2001 - with the score tied at one Quality Painting's Kevin Gerahty ended a well played game with one swing when he doubled down the left field line in the bottom of the eigth inning scoring Peter Milano from second.

Pitching was the key in this one folks. Bobby Noto, who pitched brilliantly for Playwright and deserved a better outcome, scattered six hits and four walks through the seven plus innings. While Quality's Steve Passatempo was just as good as he limited the explosive Playwright lineup to just three hits.

Proving just how dominating these two pitchers were, the other two runs that were scored in the game both resulted from errors. Playwright got their lone run in the third on a pop up that eluded the confused infielders. While Quality scored on an errant throw to first by the catcher also in the third inning.

August 24, 2001 - with their backs against the wall and facing elimination, the Playwright brought their A-game to the field on Friday night.

Steven Muldowney put Playwright on the board in the first inning with a sacrifice fly that scored Chris Neff from third. Neff's run stood until Playwright batted around the order in the third inning scoring three more runs to build a 4-0 lead.

Quality finally broke through in the fourth with a run but squandered a great chance to do more damage. Playwright's shortstop Chris Neff made a great diving stop on a ball headed for center field that would have plated another run.

Playwright then scored three more insurance runs in the bottom of the fifth inning sealing Quality's chances for a three game sweep. Bobby Noto, who was making his fifth appearance of the week, pitched brilliantly in leading the Playwright to victory.

August 28, 2001 - Quality Painting advanced to the finals for the first time ever tonight with a 10-2 game three win over the Playwright.

The Playwright got themselves in trouble early when Quality managed to load the bases with no outs in the first. Two runs and two outs later Billy Collins delivered the game winning hit with a 2-run single to center. At that point Quality led 4-0 and were showing plenty of life on the bench.

Quality's pitcher, Ruben Alicea Jr., then pitched three scoreless innings which gave his team more time to put runs on the board. Quality accomodated Alicia with three more runs in the third on Derek Milano's three run homer to right center. Alicia and Quality now had a seven run lead to work with and they made it stand with great defense, highlited by Chris Mikulski's awesome diving catch in left, and good pitching by Alicia.

The Playwright's Steven Muldowney led all batters with three hits.

August 15, 2001 - story to follow.

August 17, 2001 - story to follow.

August 15, 2001 - story to follow.

August 20, 2001 - Back & Neck's Mick McDonough knew how important it was to get his team off to a good start in game two so with two on and two out in the first inning he was looking to deliver. McDonough did just that by ripping a 1-1 pitch to left center that scored two. It was an early signal that Back & Neck was prepared to play hard tonight.

However, Playwright answered in the second with four runs of their own to go up 4-2 and were in command again. But in the third inning, pitcher Bobby Noto experienced arm problems and had to leave the game after Back & Neck had tied the game at four.

With the score tied, centerfielder Joe Pano came in to pitch and pitched very well for two innings as he shut down the SB Back & Neck attack. Pano's dominance on the mound allowed Playwright the time to get the bats going again.

In the bottom of the fifth, with nobody on and two outs, Playwrights' offense exploded for four runs and were looking to put the pesty Back & Neck team away for good.

However, SB Back & Neck answered the bell in the sixth with two runs to keep Playwright within striking distance. Then in the seventh with the bases loaded and his teams hopes resting on his shoulders, Tony Lamonica came through big time by hitting a grand slam homerun to left field. The hit set off a massive celebration for the Back & Neckers. Matt McDonough then came through later in the inning to plate some insurance runs giving SB Back & Neck a four-run lead.

In the bottom of the seventh inning pitcher Tommy McGrath reached back for a little extra and retired the side in order to give SB Back & Neck an impressive come from behind 12-8.

August 21, 2001 - SB Back & Neck were one strike away from winning the series twice in the bottom of the seventh inning before falling 5-4 to the Playwright. As the seventh seeded team, the Back & Neckers nearly pulled off an incredible series upset.

Things were looking good early when they plated three runs in the first inning on clutch hits by Jimmy Glynn and Wally Fromm. After showing his stuff at the plate Fromm then made a great play at third to prevent The Playwright from scoring in the home half of the first.

SB Back & Neck added another run in the fourth on Terry Flaherty's run scoring single to center. Back & Neck led 4-0 and The Playwright was looking tense and frustrated over the fact that they were having such a tough time with a seventh seeded team.

Fromm's (defensive star of the game) hot glove at third continued to shine in the field which help keep the Playwright off of the scoreboard through the first three innings. However, in the fourth inning Playwright took advantage of some infield errors and scored two runs to cut the lead in half at 4-2.

Both pitchers, Bobby Noto (Playwright) and Tommy McGrath (SB Back & Neck) then dominated the hitters and both made key pitches in tough situations to keep the score close.

Trailing by two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, lead off batter Joe Pano doubled to center giving the Playwright some much needed life. Chris Neff then singled home Pano on a smash to left field. Two outs later the Playwright loaded the bases and had hot hitter Joey Neff at the plate. McGrath beared down and got Neff to fly to right fielder Tony Lamonica for the last out. SB Back & Neck was clinging to a one run lead entering the last inning.

With two and and two out in the top of the seventh inning, SB Back & Neck were looking to add an insurance run or two. But Bobby Noto struck out Terry Flaherty on a 1-2 inside fastball to keep it a one run game.

Tommy Cherry led off the bottom of the seventh inning by flying out to right. SB Back & Neck were two outs away from the upset win. Scott Simpson then stood in the batters box and reached on an infield error. McGrath then got Joe Pano to fly out to left for the second out and the Playwright's chances of advancing in the playoffs rested on Chris Neff's shoulders.

On a 3-1 count, Neff took ball four on a high and outside pitch. With runners on first and second and trailing by a run Steve Muldowney stepped into the batters box. McGrath fired the first pitch over for a strike but then threw the next two away for balls. On a 2-1 pitch Muldowney took a big cut at McGrath's next offering but came up empty. SB Back & Neck were one strike away from the upset. Muldowney then took ball three high and away to work a full count. McGrath beared down again but missed on an inside pitch to load the bases for Manny Arruda.

After taking two balls in the dirt, Arruda looked at strike one right down the middle of the plate. McGrath then sailed one wide falling behind 3-1. However, the hard working righty reached way back and fired another strike bringing another full count. SB Back & Neck was again one strike away from winning. Unfortunately, McGrath couldn't find the plate and Arruda walked to force in the tying run. Mario Perrella then followed with a game ending walk and the series was quietly over. Playwright had pulled off the 5-4 come from behind win.

Sitting in the stands and observing the game, it was obvious to me that the SB Back & Neck will be the team of the future in the M Street Softball league. Coach Terry Flaherty and the rest of the Back & Neckers should be very proud of the great season they had this year. Stick together guys - you will win it all eventually!!

Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - Quality's phenom shortstop Derek Milano hit a homerun in the bottom of the fifth inning that stood as the games only run as Quality Painting edged the Beer Garden 1-0 in game one of the playoffs.

Pitching and strong defense controlled the pace and play of the game for both teams. Beer Garden's Jimmy McNiff, who seems to be getting better with age, pitched a very strong game and never got himself into trouble. Quality countered with M Street rookie pitcher Steve Passatempo and Ruben Alicea Jr. Both were also superb working out of a couple of threats in the early innings to earn the shutout victory.

Thursday, August 16, 2001 - Quality Painting's bats came to life in the early innings on Thursday as they scored three runs in the first inning, two in the second, and one in the third to open a 6-0 lead over the stunned Beer Garden.

Chris Mikulski, who started the first inning rally with a lead off double, collected five hits to lead Quality's offensive attack. Left fielder Kevin Gehrity also added some much needed punch to the lineup going 3 for 4 with three RBI's.

Quality's pitcher, Ruben Alicea Jr., kept the Beer Garden attack quiet for five innings before giving way to Steve Passatempo. Passatempo was touched for four runs in the sixth but Quality's offense quickly responded in the top of the seventh by plating another six runs to put the game and the series out of reach. Quality will play the winner of the Playwright and South Boston Back & Neck series starting on Tuesday.

Tuesday, August 14 - Murphy's Law scored three runs in the first inning and never looked back as they trounced the defending champions, Sidewalk Cafe, 10-0 in game one of the playoffs.

Steve Lannon pitched well in earning the shutout win. Lannon was supported by timely hitting and the tremendous defense from infielders Brendan Smith and Tommy Russell. Murphy's Jeff Brown was the offensive star with three hits.

Thursday, August 16 - The Sidewalk Cafe with their backs against the wall and facing elimination against a very focused Murphy's Law team responded like champions by playing their best game of the season.

Sidewalk, who were shutout on Tuesday, quickly went to work in the first inning when Mark Senna and Marty Jiminez both doubled off pitcher Steve Lannon. Jiminez scored from second on a sacrifice fly to deep right field wich gave Sidewalk a quick 2-0 lead.

Down 2-0, Murphy's offense quickly went to work in the bottom of the first inning with John Martin hitting a two-run homerun to right field tying the game at two. The two runs that Murphy's answered with was an indication that they were still zeroed in on Sidewalk's pitcher Mark Senna. Murphy's offense had scored a combined total of thirty runs off of Senna in the last two meetings. It was looking like another long night for Senna and the Sidewalk Cafe.

After a scoreless second inning, Sidewalk plated another two runs when Bobby Dobay doubled home Shaun White and Mark Senna giving Sidewalk a 4-2 lead. Sidewalk added another run in the top of the fifth when Dobay hit a sacrifice fly that scored Senna from third giving Sidewalk the 5-2 lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, the outcome of game may have been decided when Senna pitched out of a second and third no-out situation. John Martin led the inning off with a walk followed by Robbie Rogers' double. With Murphy's looking at a big inning Senna then got lefty Mike Smith to ground out to first for the inning's first out. Chris Martin, who had hit two long fly ball outs, was looking for a pitch to drive to possibly tie the game. Martin struck out swinging for the second out. Murphy's chances then rested on center fielder Joe Broderick's shoulders. On a 2-1 pitch, Broderick grounded out to Senna for the third out and Sidewalk had escaped a difficult situation unharmed.

Sidewalk then added another run in the sixth on Tommy Connolly's pinch hit single to right which gave them a 6-2 lead. Murphy's tried to rally in the seventh by plating a run with two outs but the rally came up three runs short which has set up a deciding third game on Monday.

Monday, August 20 - Jay Rooney went from goat to hero in the bottom of the seventh inning by doubling in Jason O'Connell from first with the game winning and series ending run. Rooney had errored in the sixth inning allowing Murphy's to take a one run lead but he quickly made up for his miscue.

Both teams gave it there all in this one and neither deserved to lose. The score was tight all the way through right to Rooney's heroics.

Sidewalk jumped out to a three run lead in the second but Murphy's answered with three of their own in the top of the third inning when Mike Smith cleared the bases with a double to right. Murphy's then moved ahead in the fourth with two more runs on Brendan Smith's double to center field. The games momentum had changed and Murphy's was looking to put Sidewalk away for the night.

However, Sidewalk stole the fire and fought back with four runs in the bottom of the fourth on Mark Senna's 2-run single and Marty Jiminez's 2-run double. The momentum had quickly changed hands again and now it was Sidewalk looking to stay on top.

Chris Martin then brought Murphy's a run closer in the fifth when he singled to left to score Sean Malone who had reach on a walk. Murphy's were threatening for more runs but some nifty defense by the Sidewalk infielders quickly halted their attack.

Sidewalk then went down in order in the fifth and Murphy's had the top of their order up to start the sixth. With one out and trailing by a run, Murphy's loaded the bases and were looking for a big hit from their coach Sean Malone. Malone hit a hard grounder to second baseman Jay Rooney, who fielded it cleanly but hestitated to long allowing the tying run to score and Malone to reach base safely. Rooney's miscue was looking like the end for Sidewalk. Joe Broderick then hit a sacrifice fly to right that scored Robbie Rogers from third giving Murphy's the lead.

Sidewalk wasn't dead in the home half of the sixth as they managed to put the tying runner at third with two outs. Lefty Bobby Dobay stood in the batters box and was looking to tie the game. Dobay fought off some pitches before fouling one off near the third base coaches box. Murphy's thirdbaseman, Mike Smith, tried in vain to get to the ball and in his efforts he collided with Sidewalk's third base coach Harry John. The end result was an out on fielder interference and Sidewalk had missed a glittering opportunity to tie the game.

Murphy's put two runners on in the seventh but they squandered the chance to add an insurance run or two by popping out twice and grounding out. Murphy's then took to the field and tried to get those last three tough outs that comes with winning a series.

Sidewalks' Bobby Dobay led the climatic seventh inning off with a lead off double to left-center. Jason O'Connell then kept the rally alive by ripping a single to center that scored Dobay from second. Tommy Connolly then singled to right leaving Murphy's Law staring at defeat. The momentum had quickly changed in Sidewalk's favor when Jay Rooney stepped to the plate. Rooney wasted little time before lining a double to right center that scored O'Connell with the game winning run and setting off a big celebration in front of home plate. Sidwalk had rallied from their dissapointing game one 10-0 loss to win the series in three games.